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Highlights
- A glass garage door costs an average of $4,500 and has a typical cost range of $2,500 to $8,000.
- The main factors that influence glass garage door cost are the size of the door and the garage, the type and thickness of the glass, the style of door, the type and color of the frame, and the cost of labor.
- A glass garage door has several advantages, including resistance to rust, rot, decay, and insect damage; increased natural light; low maintenance requirements; durability; and aesthetic appeal.
- A glass garage door is best installed by a professional, as the material is heavy and can be cracked if dropped. Additionally, in order to be safe, a garage door needs to be properly balanced, which a professional garage door installer knows how to do.
The sleek, modern appearance of a glass garage door can make an elegant curb appeal statement. By filtering in natural sunlight through the glass, these beautiful doors can brighten up a dark garage apartment, home office, studio, or workshop. But when it comes to cost, homeowners may ask, “How much are glass garage doors?”
According to HomeAdvisor, a glass garage door costs between $2,500 and $8,000, excluding installation. The national average cost of glass garage doors is $4,500. However, larger doors or customized designs can cost a lot more. Homeowners may pay as much as $10,000 or more for a custom-ordered glass garage door with upscale features. This guide will cover the main factors that make up the total cost of a glass garage door, the benefits of choosing this type of door, some tips on how to save money on this project, and questions homeowners can ask the best garage door installation companies when searching for a pro.
Factors in Calculating Glass Garage Door Cost
The cost a homeowner will spend for a glass garage door will depend on several factors, including glass thickness, door size, type of glass, door style, and frame, as well as tracks and hardware, any required repair, and labor costs. While the national average for a glass garage door price is $4,500, local averages can fluctuate based on a homeowner’s geographic location. For example, due to a higher cost of living, metropolitan-area professionals usually charge higher prices for labor and materials than pros in rural areas. Complex installations such as those involving structural changes or repairs can also impact the price.
Door Size
One of the main factors that influence the cost of a glass garage door is the width and height of the door. This is determined by the number of cars that can fit in the garage. Unsurprisingly, a single-car garage door costs less than a door for a 2- or 3-car garage. For example, an 8-foot-wide by 7-foot-tall garage door costs $4,000, while a larger door measuring 18 feet wide by 8 feet tall averages $10,600. However, the price can be more for custom doors taller than 18 feet. The table below shows the average cost for a variety of garage door sizes.
| Garage Door Size in Feet (Width by Height) | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| 8 by 7 | $4,000 |
| 8 by 8 | $4,300 |
| 9 by 7 | $4,100 |
| 9 by 8 | $4,400 |
| 10 by 7 | $4,600 |
| 10 by 8 | $5,000 |
| 16 by 7 | $6,500 |
| 16 by 8 | $7,100 |
| 18 by 7 | $10,000 |
| 18 by 8 | $10,600 |
Glass Type
Another vital factor that determines what a homeowner can expect to pay for a glass garage door is the type of glass installed in the garage door. The four common types of glass a homeowner can choose from include tempered glass, frosted glass, insulated glass, and laminated glass.
Glass Thickness
Manufacturers sell glass for garage doors in various thicknesses, from ⅛ inch thick to 1 inch thick. Single glass panes come standard at ⅛ inch thick, which makes them an economical option. However, many homeowners prefer ¼-inch-thick tempered glass. Insulated glass comes at a higher price point, depending on the thickness of the glass. Standard glass thicknesses for insulated glass include 7/16 inches, ⅝ inches, and 1 inch.
Door Style
Manufacturers sell glass garage doors in three common styles: roll-up doors, swing-up doors, and commercial-style doors. Homeowners will pick a style based on their preferred door operation method.
Roll-up doors are on the pricey end, starting at $4,500. However, they provide homeowners with a more durable glass door option than swing-up doors. With normal use, roll-up doors offer more longevity and require less maintenance.
Glass garage doors can also come in swing-up style, which will typically cost less than the roll-up style. However, a swing-up garage door will require more frequent maintenance than a roll-up garage door. Swing-up doors also have a lower clearance and minimized headroom, which could be a concern for those with tall vehicles. Additionally, swing-up doors can get noisy and have exposed cables and springs, which homeowners may find unsightly.
A commercial glass garage door may be a good choice for a homeowner who prefers a larger and heavier door than a standard residential glass garage door. Commercial doors offer easy access and are popular in auto dealerships, fire stations, and retail stores. One popular style is a folding glass garage door, which offers an excellent option for homeowners who want to let in the breeze in good weather.
Frame Type and Color
Most glass garage doors are made from durable anodized aluminum frames. These frames reduce the overall weight of the doors, since the glass panels themselves are relatively heavy due to their steel and wooden frames. The lightweight construction places less strain on the mechanical components of the door.
Homeowners can choose various frame colors in powdered coatings. However, standard white costs less. One customization choice is to add an insulation layer to fill the stiles, rails, and frames. Homeowners will want to note that this level of customization costs considerably more than a standard frame.
Labor
Labor for a glass modern garage door costs from $700 to $1,500 for most projects. However, complex or customized glass doors can cost more to install. Factors to consider include door size, site conditions, location, framing insulation type, and the potential need for an old door to be removed and replaced.
Glass garage doors for homeowners who live in hurricane zones or locations with extreme weather require wind-rated glass, which increases the cost of materials. This is often dependent on the type of insulation and the R-value, which relates to the thickness of the insulation and its effectiveness in preventing heat or cold air from entering or escaping the garage. A homeowner will pay a higher price for insulation that has denser polyurethane framing and a higher R-value than polystyrene or styrofoam, both of which have a lower R-value.
Other labor fees are as follows.
- Wind-rated glass. Homeowners who live in hurricane zones or areas with extreme wind could be required by their homeowners insurance provider to install wind-rated glass. This type of glass increases the cost of materials, which some contractors calculate into the labor cost and mark up. Homeowners can check with their insurance provider to determine whether this type of glass is required.
- Old garage door removal. An old garage door that needs to be removed and disposed of will incur an additional cost of $50 to $250. A professional will typically factor this price into the estimate.
- New garage door opener. If a new opener is necessary due to the weight of the glass, the installation will cost an additional $250 to $600, including labor and materials.
Additional Costs and Considerations
It’s important for homeowners to consider additional cost factors that could come into play when they are calculating costs for installing a glass garage door. Things to consider include installation of a single garage door versus a double garage door, the need for any structural alterations, removal of an old garage door, garage door opener installation, and any necessary repairs and maintenance.
Single vs. Double Garage
A glass door for a single-car garage will typically cost less than one for a double garage. A single garage door with room for a single car that measures 8 feet wide by 7 feet high will cost around $4,000. By contrast, an 18-foot-wide by 8-foot-high double glass garage door housing two cars can cost up to $10,600 or more.
Structural Changes and Repairs
Sometimes a garage will require interior or exterior structural alterations and reinforcements to the drywall, siding, and stucco on the house. These changes occur due to the weight of the glass door and can lead to repairs that can add extra costs to the project. Some of the most common repairs are listed below.
| Repair Type | Average Cost (Labor and Materials) |
| Drywall repair | $40 to $100 per hour |
| Siding repair | $2 to $14 per square foot |
| Stucco repair | $8 to $50 per square foot |
Old Garage Door Removal
An owner can expect to spend between $50 and $250 to have a contractor remove an old garage door. The cost will depend on several criteria, including the material, type, and size of the door. When homeowners are getting a price quote, it’s important for them to ask the company if they charge an additional fee for hauling an oversize or heavy door off the property. Most installers include removal and disposal of the door in the price. However, some installers charge more for larger and heavy items.
Garage Door Opener
If a homeowner wants to install a glass garage door that weighs more than their existing standard garage door, they might need to invest in one of the best garage door openers, as the glass is heavier than the standard aluminum and will require a more powerful opener. Garage door opener installation costs around $360, with the typical range between $218 and $525. But some projects can cost up to $825, and the cost for a heavy-duty opener averages $300 or more.
Homeowners who plan to install a commercial garage door opener can expect to pay around double the price of a standard garage door opener. Other factors for homeowners to consider include local installer rates, the brand and type of opener, and the difference in cost to install a replacement door versus a new door.
Garage Door Repairs and Maintenance
The average garage door repair cost for a glass garage door runs about $250. However, heavier doors with customized fittings can cost more. If a homeowner needs broken glass panels replaced and can’t replace the individual panels, the project can cost $300 or higher for materials and the installation of an insulated or tempered glass garage door. However, trying to repair the individual glass panels before investing in repairing the entire door is always recommended.
Although tempered glass panels used in full-view glass garage doors provide excellent durability and don’t break as frequently as standard glass, they can still crack or break on occasion.
Consistent maintenance can reduce the possibility of glass breakage. Maintaining a glass garage door includes the following:
- tightening hardware
- inspecting the rollers
- lubricating movable components
- clearing the tracks
- repainting or sealing wooden frames
- cleaning the glass
Types of Glass Garage Doors
The cost of a glass garage door can vary by the type of glass. The four most common types of glass include tempered, frosted, insulated, and laminated. Glass garage doors can vary in strength and opacity, from transparent to opaque. Heat-treated glass, which is stronger, can cost more. Below are the average costs for different types of glass garage doors.
| Glass Type | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
| Frosted | $4,350 |
| Insulated | $5,000 |
| Laminated | $5,200 |
| Tempered | $4,000 |
Frosted Glass
Homeowners seeking to maximize privacy and filter out the amount of light that enters a space may opt for frosted glass. A frosted glass garage door costs $350 more than a clear glass garage door costs for tempered glass. As a rule of thumb, a homeowner can expect to spend an average of 25 percent more on frosted glass. While frosted glass is a sought-after type of glass for its aesthetic and privacy, other glass garage door options include mirrored, tinted, or even black glass. Black glass maximizes privacy but costs more.
Insulated Glass
To increase energy efficiency and keep out more of the cold, homeowners can choose insulated glass over a tempered glass option. An insulated glass garage door costs an average of $5,000. It’s important for homeowners to note that high-quality insulated glass will not match an insulated steel or a wooden garage door, but homeowners can boost efficiency by modifying an insulated aluminum frame and the rails. However, this customization option can significantly increase the price.
Laminated Glass
Homeowners who desire a garage glass door with better sound insulation and shatter resistance than a tempered glass garage door might find laminated glass an excellent option. However, they can expect to pay up to 30 percent more for laminated glass than for standard tempered glass, with an average cost of $5,200. This type of glass offers 99 percent UV protection. Some manufacturers sell tempered-laminated glass, which provides better safety and protection.
Tempered Glass
A homeowner can expect to spend an average of $4,000 for a tempered glass garage door, but the cost can vary considerably according to the design and size of the door. Manufacturers offer tempered glass in various opacities, such as transparent and translucent garage doors that filter in light. Tempered glass is standard in a full-view glass garage door, sometimes called an all-glass garage door. Homeowners looking for added strength can opt for heat-tempered glass, which is four times stronger than the glass in standard garage glass doors. Replacement garage doors cost around $300 for standard tempered glass.
Benefits of Choosing a Glass Garage Door
There are many reasons for a homeowner to invest in a glass garage door, including increasing home value when selling a home, moving into a new house, or providing an opportunity to let in the sunlight during the spring or summer. No matter the reason, glass garage doors come with various advantages many homeowners will appreciate.
Resistance to Rust, Rot, Decay, and Insect Damage
Unlike wooden garage doors, aluminum garage doors resist rust, rot, and insect damage. Manufacturers construct glass garage doors with heavy-duty aluminum frames that resist rust and corrosion. In addition, aluminum is lightweight, which means it places less strain on garage door openers and minimizes noise.
Increase in Natural Light
With few or no windows at all, a garage can be a dark and dismal place. Glass garage doors allow homeowners to invite natural light into the space, making the environment more appealing. This is especially important if the garage is used for more than storage, such as a living space, yoga studio, entertainment area, or office. A warm garage lit by rays of sunshine with access to a beautiful view can offer inspiration during the spring and summer for the entire family.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Standard garage doors require routine maintenance, such as painting, refinishing, and sealing. This might include sealing annually or touching up the paint or stain every few years. Glass garage doors, on the other hand, require very little maintenance. Cleaning the glass with window cleaner or soap and water every few months and a clean microfiber cloth is the only maintenance needed. Although glass garage doors with powder-coated aluminum finishes require occasional painting, the frequency is less often than for standard metal or garage doors.
Durability
A homeowner might assume a garage door made of glass would be a fragile and breakable material. However, today’s glass garage door manufacturers offer glass panel options with reinforced strength, such as tempered and insulated glass. In fact, automobile manufacturers use tempered glass in car production. Glass garage doors also hold up much better in inclement weather than their traditional wooden garage door counterparts.
One element that enables glass garage doors to withstand wear and tear is polycarbonate-coated glass panels. Polycarbonate is a noncombustible, fire-resistant material that can withstand impact. Additionally, fabricators manufacture glass garage doors using industrial-strength aluminum frames that can resist rust and corrosion.
Aesthetic Appeal
Glass garage doors showcase a beautiful aesthetic and elevate a home’s curb appeal for modern-style homes. However, glass garage doors are not for every house. This style of door might look out of place with a more traditional architectural-style home such as a Victorian house.
Glass Garage Door Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
For the DIYer, installing a glass garage door can save between $700 and $1,500 on labor, which might seem like a considerable portion of the total price. However, the project can present challenges even when a homeowner has the essential tools. The glass is heavier than the glass in an all-aluminum garage door, presenting the possibility of breakage if the glass gets damaged.
Installing a glass garage door can take up to 12 hours without setbacks. One reason a homeowner might want to call a pro is to avoid working with electricity. A second reason to call a professional is that a roll-up door contains torsion springs, which can be dangerous if mishandled. Finally, an installer will typically provide a homeowner with a warranty for faulty installation, even if it’s only for 1 year. Many manufacturers won’t honor a product warranty if an installation isn’t done by a professional. For all these reasons, it’s typically recommended that a homeowner hire a professional to install a glass garage door.
How to Save Money on Glass Garage Door Cost
There are many opportunities to save on the cost of glass garage door installation through promotions and advertisements, as well as negotiating a better deal with a pro who wants the business. The following tips offer ways to save on a project.
- Shop around. Get quotes from at least three professionals, and compare them to see which one offers the best deal.
- Schedule in the off-season. As is true of many other home improvement companies, garage door companies often have less business during winter. Scheduling your glass garage door installation in the offseason could get you a discount.
- Look for coupons. You can look online through advertisers such as Groupon, as well as in newspaper circulars, direct mailers, and racks at the entrance of grocery stores.
- Negotiate. A pro might be willing to negotiate a better price or beat the price of another installer if you can provide a recent quote from a competitor for the same installation project.
Questions to Ask About Glass Garage Door Installation
To achieve desirable results, it’s important for homeowners to ask the right questions about the project before picking the right garage door and professional installation company. The following questions can help homeowners vet professionals to decide which one to choose for their garage door installation.
- Do you offer a free estimate?
- Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
- How long have you been installing glass garage doors?
- Do you use subcontractors?
- How long will it take to install my glass garage door?
- Do I need to be present for the installation?
- Do I need to replace my garage door opener at the same time?
- What garage door brands do you carry?
- Is it worth paying for an insulated glass garage door?
- How much can an insulated garage door save me in energy costs?
- What warranty do you offer on the product and installation?
- What kind of maintenance can I expect for my new garage door?
- Do you guarantee your work?
- What is your payment schedule?
FAQs
Making any considerable home investment, such as installing a glass garage door, takes due diligence on the part of the homeowner. The following are the most frequently asked questions that homeowners ask about glass garage doors and the answers.
Q. What size are standard glass garage doors?
For most homes, standard glass garage doors for single-car garages range from 8 feet to 9 feet wide and 7 feet to 8 feet tall. However, typical glass garage doors for new-construction homes measure 9 feet wide and 7 feet tall. Newer-model homes can contain doors up to 10 feet wide. The standard size for a double glass garage door is 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall.
Q. Are windows in a garage a good idea?
Windows in a garage can provide several advantages. First, they can provide better airflow and ventilation, allowing sunlight to enter the garage. Opening garage door windows can also circulate musty odors and toxic fumes in a workshop out of the area, especially with the use of a fan to direct the air outdoors. Lastly, windows provide visual interest and boost curb appeal, improving a property’s aesthetic.
Q. What is the best thickness for a glass garage door?
Glass garage doors are available in different thicknesses, from ⅛ inch to 1 inch. But which one is the best thickness option? The answer depends on a few factors, including budget, location, and the activity and traffic levels in the garage. A single-pane glass that’s ⅛ inch thick, which is more economical than a thicker glass, might serve a family on a budget just fine. Many homeowners opt for a medium thickness of ¼ inch for the extra protection, while some locations with strong winds require thicker glass.
Q. What type of glass is used in garage doors?
Manufacturers sell glass garage doors in several types of glass. The four most common types of glass are frosted, tempered, insulated, and laminated. Glass used for garage doors can vary in its opacity. Some glass is transparent and won’t obstruct the view, while more opaque styles provide more privacy and filter light. Heat-treated and insulated glass is more expensive but is more durable than standard glass.
Q. Is it worth getting an insulated garage door?
Installing an insulated garage door is an excellent long-term investment. While insulated garage door costs are higher than the costs of doors without insulation, the energy savings can make up for the higher price tag.